Churches

St John the Divine

Situated at the entrance to the village from the A14, the church was probably built by the monks from the Benedictine Abbey at Bury St Edmunds. The present building is a blend of architectural styles, from the decorated chancel (1300-1350) to the gallery and meeting room added in 1993. In the south aisle there is a fine monument, erected in 1619, in memory of a former benefactor, Sir Robert Gardener, Lord Chief Justice of Ireland for 18 years. Sir Robert provided the funds for the building of the Almshouses near the church. The tower of the church, which was restored in 1981, is said to have “probably the finest flint and stone devices in the county”.

The Friends of St John’s Church – Elmswell (registered with Charity Commissioners) was formed in 1995 with the purpose of raising funds for the fabric of the church. An annual festival of Art, Music and Flowers is held in September as is the Annual Service; the AGM in early summer usually includes a concert, lecture or supper. There are also coffee mornings and other social events.

If you would like to join, please contact Mrs J Folkard (TEL: 01359 242099) who will be pleased to give you further details.

 

Elmswell Baptist Church

Our Church began life in a tent, erected on what is today the car park of Thurlow, Nunn and Standen. Our Mission was conducted by two Wetherden sisters, Miss Caroline and Elizabeth Duffield Watts, sometime prior to 1884. So successful was The Mission that in 1884 a small corrugated sheet metal Church was built, which in turn was replaced by our current Church in 1887. Its membership was in the region of 90 people, Sunday School was equally well attended. It remained a Mission Church up until 1922 when it became a member of the Baptist Union.

Sunday Worship: 10.30am (2nd Sunday each month is an all age service)

Ladies Friendship Group – First Monday of each month Tel. Margaret 01359 241541

Food n Friends – Cooked Meal & Plenty of time to chat Tel. Jackie 01359 245918

 

Elmswell Methodist Church

Elmswell Methodist Church is part of the Bury St Edmunds Circuit. Holy Communion is held by one of its ministers at least twice a quarter.

Sunday Worship: 10.45am coffee being served after service

Ladies Fellowship: 2.45pm Tuesday (except August)